Notes and Editorial Reviews
Saint-Saëns holds a vital place in the history of French chamber music. At a time when his compatriots were more devoted to opera and song, Saint-Saëns (who wrote both, too) repeatedly produced chamber music of compelling individuality and lasting significance. The 1875 Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op 41 remains one of the great works in the chamber repertory, a masterful example of the composer’s organisational skill and lyric gifts. The gorgeous Barcarolle is followed by the youthful Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 14, a brilliantly confident work with a concerto-like role for the piano.
Saint-Saëns holds a vital place in the history of French chamber music. At a time when his compatriots were more devoted to opera and song, Saint-Saëns (who wrote both, too) repeatedly produced chamber music of compelling individuality and lasting significance. The 1875 Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op 41 remains one of the great works in the chamber repertory, a masterful example of the composer’s organisational skill and lyric gifts. The gorgeous Barcarolle is followed by the youthful Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 14, a brilliantly confident work with a concerto-like role for the piano. Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Quintet for Piano and Strings in A minor, Op. 14 by Camille Saint-Saëns
Performer:
Cristina Ortiz (Piano)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fine Arts Quartet
Period: Romantic
Written: 1855; France
2.
Quartet for Piano and Strings in B flat major, Op. 41 by Camille Saint-Saëns
Performer:
Cristina Ortiz (Piano)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fine Arts Quartet
Period: Romantic
Written: 1875; France
3.
Barcarolle for Violin, Cello, Organ and Piano in F major, Op. 108 by Camille Saint-Saëns
Performer:
Cristina Ortiz (Piano)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fine Arts Quartet
Period: Romantic
Written: 1897; France
Sound Samples
Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op. 41: I. Allegretto
Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op. 41: II. Andante maestoso ma con moto
Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op. 41: III. Poco allegro piu tosto moderato - Allegro non troppo - Allegro - Molto allegro - Presto - Prestissimo
Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op. 41: IV. Allegro - Mouvement du premier morceau - Allegro non troppo - Tempo primo
Barcarolle in F major, Op. 108
Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 14: I. Allegro moderato e maestoso
Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 14: II. Andante sostenuto
Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 14: III. Presto
Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 14: IV. Allegro assai, ma tranquillo
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: 
( 3 Customer Reviews )
muddled mess May 8, 2013
By aaron m. (Miami Beach, FL) See All My Reviews
"piano playing is a muddled mess --- Saint-Saëns's music requires real dexterity and clarity from the pianist, and it doesn't happen here. This music is all about counterpoint; the B-flat Piano Quartet, in particular, is Bachian and needs clarity in texture."
Report Abuse
Luxurious French Chamber Music May 5, 2013
By Henry S. (Springfield, VA) See All My Reviews
"I will start this commentary by referring to a recent review submitted by another listener, who gave this disk only 1 star. Frankly, I was completely taken aback to note such a negative opinion of this Naxos disk. My opinion is decidely different. There may indeed be very substandard recordings of the great French chamber music, but this new Naxos release is not one of them, in my view. Cristina Ortiz and the Fine Arts Quartet bring to life 3 wonderful works by Camille Saint-Saens, of which the Op. 41 Piano Quartet surely ranks as one of the supreme masteworks in the French catalog. The earlier Piano Quintet is full of melody and crystal clear French Romanticism, and rounding out the program is the 9-minute Barcarolle, a small scale composition with a large scale sense of exquisite beauty. While I admit to being no technical expert in music criticism, the fact is that I didn't find a problem in the role of the piano here, which the other reviewer did. It is not my purpose to get into an argument here, but it seems to me that no quality recording company would ever allow production and marketing of a recording featuring a piano as woefully out of tune as alleged. What struck me instead was the vibrant sound of the entire performing group and the ability to really hear each instrument's unique voice as it contributes to Saint-Saens' masteful scoring. In short, my reaction to this disk was clearly positive, and I would be willing to bet that most listeners will also enjoy it."
Report Abuse
A complete disaster April 23, 2013
By David R. (Denver, CO) See All My Reviews
"Let's cut right to the chase: the piano on this recording is so badly out of tune, this CD is unlistenable. Worse, the quartet is tuned sharp to the piano, presumably because the piano itself is so badly out of tune what could they actually tune to? Every time the quartet rests or takes an accompaniment role, what you hear is an excruciatingly flat, badly out of tune piano taking up to tune. It literally sounds like a honky-tonk upright in a southern bar! Not only that, Cristina Ortiz sounds like she's sight reading this music; she fluffs and fakes her way through several passages. And the Fine Arts Quartet sound like a student group, at best. It is unbelievable that the Producer/Editor/Engineer, Steven Epstein, could not hear what was going on while he was in charge at the controls. Even more amazing that the performers themselves could not hear they were not tuned to the piano, and that Ortiz was playing very badly on a very bad piano! This recording is an absolute disgrace. Naxos needs to cut their losses right here and now, pull this back from availablility and look for a competent group of performers and start again. This is glorious Saint-Saens and it deserves a great recording. It certainly does not receive it here."
Report Abuse
Review This Title
